Performance Analysis Industry News – Feb 2012

Stats Zone

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finished last night, Fourfourtwo magazine have once again teamed up with Opta Sports to release the ACON as an additional tournament and for free on the Stat Zone app! From the app that was shortlist in The App Store Rewind 2011, best of the year award it’s sure to be a popular addition to the range with English Premier league and European Champions league data already available in the app. Check out some really cool data.

Technicolor Multi Camera Interactive TV

Revealed at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January is what could be a new way of viewing football. The Technicolor Multi Camera Interactive TV system allows the viewer to manipulate where you look during live TV coverage with the ability to zoom on a specific player or on off the ball action that wouldn’t normally be broadcast. The system uses a 6 camera configuration and software to produce the pictures and put the power in the hands of the viewer. A similar concept of this is already being used by several companies such as Venatrack and Peiro in professional football where a 3D image of the pitch is created, therefore the use of the Technicolor Multi Camera Interactive TV could well become a valuable tool in the analysis and coaching process in football.

MSc in Sports Performance

A new postgraduate programme has been launched at the University of Limerick this month. The MSc in Sports Performance which is the first of its kind in Ireland will cover topics such as sports performance analysis, strength and conditioning, video analysis and nutrition. The programme is offered as both a full time 1 year course and a part time 2 year course and has its first intake of 22 students with Irish international rugby player Jerry Flannery among the cohort. In terms of video analysis the practical skills will be gained via the Video Performance Analysis Academy (VPAA) at the University of Limerick which was founded by the course director Dr Ian Kenny, where the students will get the opportunity to be actively involved with both University of Limerick teams and regional sports teams and athletes. This course adds to the growing amount of MSc’s related to performance analysis with others available at Middlesex University, Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC) and Nottingham Trent University.

Science and Football Conference 2012

With the Science and football conference fast approaching on the 18th of March this year, there are now several confirmed presenters. From the coaching and performance analysis industry there will be presentations by John McDermott (Academy Director, Tottenham Hotspur FC), Jim Hicks (Head of Coaching, The FA), Darren Robinson (Hull City FC), Ben Smith (Performance Systems, Chelsea FC) and Shayne Hall from Prozone Sports. The day will also cover presentations from other disciplines such as sports medicine, sports science and sports psychology with confirmed presenters such as Barry Drust (Sports Science Consultant) from Liverpool FC and Roger Spry (Coach Educator) from UEFA.

MIT SLOAN Sports Analytics Conference

The MIT SLOAN Sports Analytics Conference is also running in March 2012 on the 2nd and 3rd of the month at the Hynes Convention Center, Boston. The conference aims to provide a forum for industry professionals and academics to discuss the role of analytics in sport. Speakers at the event include Alexi Lalas the lead analyst from ESPN and ABC, David Gill (CEO) from Manchester United and Mike Zarren, Assistant General Manager from the Boston Celtics. The conference will cover topics from the art and analytics of negotiation to Fanalytics, also featuring analytics from soccer, tennis, hockey, baseball, motorsport, basketball and football it is sure to appeal to most in the world of analysis. This year sees over 1500 attendees expected and over 75 confirmed speakers making it a highlight of the sports performance conference calendar.